Tikkun olam (Hebrew: תיקון עולם)
Tikkun olam (Hebrew: תיקון עולם) is a Hebrew phrase that means "repairing the world" or "perfecting the world." In Judaism, the concept of tikkun olam originated in the early rabbinic period. The concept was given new meanings in the kabbalah of the medieval period and further connotations in modern Judaism.
TSTI is committed to the performance of mitzvot, whether they are performed as a large Temple community, in small groups, or as individuals. The concept of tikkun olam (repairing the world) is central to our Congregation’s philosophy. Our Social Action program serves to help provide opportunities for each congregant to engage in meaningful efforts to help those in need and to achieve social justice.
As one TSTI community, we annually collect non-perishable food during the High Holidays for donation to foodbanks and other social service organizations. Throughout the year, trial sized toiletries (including hotel “freebies”) are collected; these are distributed to Bridges Outreach (along with clothing, collected only during October & November) as part of STISY’’S annual November Midnight Run for the homeless. TSTI supports these ongoing social action opportunities organized by congregants :
Interfaith Food Pantry of the Oranges – distribution of food at pantry every fourth Wednesday morning. Non-perishable food for the pantry is collected all year round (donation bins are located in the lobby). Contact Janet Schwamm or 973-379-2533.
Habitat for Humanity – build homes for local low-income families on specified dates. Contact Barbara Laub or 973-763-8379.
Dress for Success –collect and deliver professional clothing for disadvantaged women to promote economic independence. Contact Susan Siegeltuch or 973-378-8635.
Thanksgiving Turkey and Food Drive – Thanksgiving collection site for distribution to the InterFaith Food Pantry, the Sunday before Thanksgiving. Contact Lisa Goldberg Ozer or 973-762-2887.
Soup Kitchen - Volunteers are needed at the IFP Soup Kitchen the first Saturday of each month. To volunteer, contact Robin Greenberg.
So how does a mitzvah project happen at Temple? If you have an idea about a great project that you want to coordinate, please contact Lisa Goldberg Ozer ozerfam@verizon.net or 973-762-2887. She will help facilitate your organizing the project and making it happen at TSTI.
How else can you help? Our revised Mitzvah Directory contains an extensive listing of mitzvah opportunities, primarily local or projects with Jewish connections. We list community service projects; political action ideas; teen summer opportunities; even ways to “click” and do good! Check out the directory for many places to donate all those things cluttering your home that could be so helpful to others (and often provide you with a tax deduction as well): clothing, baby items, furniture, appliances, household goods, food, and more.
The Reform Movement takes an active role in many pressing issues of our times, including those that affect people nationally and worldwide. For greater insight into the Reform commitment, see urj.org/socialaction. For fifty years, the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism (RAC) has educated and mobilized the American Jewish community on legislative and social concerns as an advocate in Congress on issues ranging from Israel and Soviet Jewry to economic justice; from civil rights to international peace and religious liberty. If you are interested in political action, visit rac.org to find out about action you can take to help repair the world.
Non-Perishable Grocery List:
We collect non-perishable groceries on an ongoing basis for the InterFaith Food Pantry of the Oranges. Collection bins are located near our coat room at the front TSTI entrance, as well as near the Religious School entry.
Purchase an extra can or two when you go grocery shopping, and leave it in your car. For the cost of the change in your pocket, you will always have something to donate when you enter TSTI.
Please - NO GLASS!
The following non-perishable groceries are most helpful, as these specific categories are provided in distributed groceries each time TSTI is at the Pantry:
Protein Meals (tuna, sardines, stews, chili, canned meats, Spam)
Canned soup (particularly Chunk or Hearty Soups or Soups with protein)
Canned Tomato Sauce
Canned Tomatoes
Green Vegetables (Green Beans, Peas, Spinach)
Yellow, Orange or Red Vegetables (Corn, Carrots, Beets)
Starchy Vegetables (Potatoes, Yams)
Canned Fruit
Canned Beans
Peanut Butter
Jelly
Pasta
Boxed macaroni and cheese
Cookies
Cereal
Dried Milk or Milk Boxes (like Parmalat or Horizon)
We collect non-perishable groceries on an ongoing basis for the InterFaith Food Pantry of the Oranges. Collection bins are located near our coat room at the front TSTI entrance, as well as near the Religious School entry.
Purchase an extra can or two when you go grocery shopping, and leave it in your car. For the cost of the change in your pocket, you will always have something to donate when you enter TSTI.
Please - NO GLASS!
The following non-perishable groceries are most helpful, as these specific categories are provided in distributed groceries each time TSTI is at the Pantry:
Protein Meals (tuna, sardines, stews, chili, canned meats, Spam)
Canned soup (particularly Chunk or Hearty Soups or Soups with protein)
Canned Tomato Sauce
Canned Tomatoes
Green Vegetables (Green Beans, Peas, Spinach)
Yellow, Orange or Red Vegetables (Corn, Carrots, Beets)
Starchy Vegetables (Potatoes, Yams)
Canned Fruit
Canned Beans
Peanut Butter
Jelly
Pasta
Boxed macaroni and cheese
Cookies
Cereal
Dried Milk or Milk Boxes (like Parmalat or Horizon)